Tag Archives: bra advice

Push-up bra

How to Decide if a Push-Up Bra is Right for you

Push-up bra

Push-up bras are not just suited for women that have small breasts anymore. Women of all breast shapes and sizes can benefit from push-up bras. A push-up bra can give a much needed lift to sagging breasts and can also create some wanted cleavage for a multitude of breast sizes. For many women, a push-up bra is the perfect solution to give the appearance of fuller, shapelier breasts, without having to go through cosmetic surgery. There are times however when a push-up bra may not be right for you, so how do you know if a push-up bra is the way you want to go?

Many women choose a push-up bra because they want a more flattering side profile or silhouette. In order to create what many consider the most flattering of silhouettes, your nipples should sit half way between your elbow and your shoulder. If your breasts are naturally much lower than this, a push-up bra is the perfect solution.

Many times knowing if a push-up bra is for you or not comes down to overall comfort. If you are wearing a push-up bra it is obviously going to ‘push’ on your breasts. Wearing the wrong type of push-up bra may do you more harm than good. Sure your breasts will receive a lift, but at the expense of your comfort.

The type of push-up bra you need comes down to how well endowed you are:

•    Flat Chest: If you weren’t given much to work with in the first place, then a push-up bra can be a nice way to make due with what you have. In your case, a padded push up bra will not only give your breasts a boost, but it can add to the overall volume appearance. There are even some types of padded push up bras that are filled with air, silicone, or other types of filling that can add an entire cup size.

•    Average Chest:
You may not be looking for added volume, but you may be looking for an added boost. You should go with push-up bras that only have padding in the lower third of the bra cup as this will give the lift you desire without adding any volume.

•    Large Chest:
When it comes to breasts, the bigger they are, the lower they fall. Time and gravity will pull full breast downward and a boost up is great for your confidence as well as your appearance. No need for any padding here, just stick to a supportive contour to get the desired lift you are after. Another consideration for you is to get a push-up bra with padded straps as this will help distribute the weight of your breasts better and keep you more comfortable.

Not sure what you are looking for, you can always go to a pro. There are a number of stores and boutiques that offer a wide range of push-up bra styles. When all else fails, ask one of the sales associates for help.

Just remember, when it comes to push-up bras, comfort is king. There is no reason to have your breast lifted if you are going to be in pain the entire time the push-up bra is on.

Bra stretch

How Much Does a Bra Stretch?

Bra stretch

Recently someone asked, “How much will a bra stretch?” Well, the answer is rather tricky. Some bras are designed for specific purposes, like sports bras and nursing bras. They are intended for situations where you really need support in order to be comfortable yet the fabric must also be flexible (imagine playing basketball in a bustierre). Sports bras feature wider straps, broader cups and stronger construction to minimize bouncing. If you’re shopping for a sports bra, you want to find one that will support your girls but not be too hot or irritating to the skin.

For everyday wear that doesn’t include exercise or excess movement, there are a huge range of choices in bras. The factor that determines how much a bra will stretch is the material it is made of. Cotton has long been the staple for bra materials because it is so comfortable. Your first bra was probably made of cotton. Cotton allows the skin to breathe, and it also allows for a lot of stretch and support at the beginning. However, after a short time cotton starts to lose its elasticity, which means the bra will not provide you enough support. Another downside to the cotton bra is that the material is thin, so you risk looking pokey from the front. Cotton also fades much quicker than other materials.

Rayon is another popular bra material, especially in lower-end bras. Rayon has a silky feel to it and comes in lots of pretty patterns that look great on the rack. The downside of rayon is that it stretches and doesn’t regain its shape, and it’s also prone to wrinkles. Not a good choice for those looking for a seamless shape under their clothing.

Another popular bra material is lace, although a much different version than is used to make Aunt Martha’s curtains. Lace bras are usually made of polyester and spandex, or a similar blend which allows for some stretch. Polyester lace can provide quite a lot of support, depending on the heaviness of the fabric. The heavier the fabric, the more the support; the lighter the fabric, the more stretch it will have. If you’re a bigger-breasted woman, you should always choose support over stretch.

Another popular bra style is the molded cup, typically made from foam or fiberfill material. Molded bra cups are made on a heat press that imitates the breast shape. Molded cups look great under thin fabrics because they’re seamless and smooth, but they do not allow for stretch. If your breasts are too big for a molded bra, they will start to spill over the top and sides, ruining the smooth line you’re going for.

The most important consideration for choosing a bra is fit. It’s estimated that nearly eight out of every 10 women are wearing the wrong bra size, which can lead to discomfort during wear, neck and shoulder pain, chaffing and a host of related problems. A professional bra fitting is highly recommended to help you determine the right size. A professional can also give you further guidance on the best fabrics to choose for your needs.